Had the privilege to work for more than 30 years in toxicology and drug safety in different working environments (academy, CRO, small and large pharma (GE Healthcare, Clavis pharma), and the public health sector). Societal expectations on our work as toxicologists are high. Understanding the effects of chemicals on biological systems from a molecular level to a population level is important in order to prevent harm and avoid that hazardous chemicals enter the market and the environment. The discipline has changed dramatically the last 10 years and will continue to do by smarter testing, better use of existing knowledge and focus on mechanisms of toxicity. Next Generation Risk Assessment is not just a term but is already reality. We must focus on both hazard identification and hazard characterisation. We should discuss risks and regulation of chemicals based on knowledge and data on hazard and exposure. At our institute, we are involved in both research and risk assessment and it is a revelation to notice that we have so much data gaps on hazard and exposure when doing risk assessments. Prevention of hazards caused by chemicals needs competence and infrastructure. We as toxicologists should be better in promoting what we do and how toxicologists can contribute to hot societal challenges like climate change, circular economy and AMR. There is a lot of competition for resources and toxicologists should be more visible and better communicate contributions and achievements. In order to bring this field forward we need the smartest people to choose this discipline. Universities should focus more on education and research in toxicology. Our group is involved in a number of European projects like EuroMix, HBM4EU, Eximious, Athlete, Ontox, Polyrisk and PARC. We focus on biomonitoring, exposure assessments, biomarkers of effect and developmental neurotoxicity and immunotoxicity as endpoints. Students who like to a MSc project should reach out to me to discuss opportunities.